24 Jun COVID 19 Pandemic Safety for Young People
As some areas of the country begin to reopen, public health officials warn that people of all ages can still be affected by the Coronavirus and urge everyone to continue following social distancing precautions. The World Health Organization says the Coronavirus could put young adults — not just older populations — in the hospital for weeks or even cause death, and recent data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows a significant percentage of people between ages 20 and 54 have been hospitalized.
FOLLOW SOCIAL DISTANCING
The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus, according to the CDC. Some people without symptoms may be able to spread the virus. Follow the directions of your state and local authorities, along with these tips:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick, even inside your home. If possible, maintain 6 feet between the person who is sick and other household members.
- Stay at least 6 feet from others. This is about two arms’ length.
- Do not gather in groups. Stay out of crowded places and avoid mass gatherings.
- This includes gatherings of any size outside your household, such as a friend’s house, parks, restaurants, shops or any other place.
- This advice applies to people of any age, including teens and younger adults.
- Children should not have in-person playdates while school is out.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face covering when around others, including when you have to go out in public (for example, to the grocery store.)
- The cloth face cover is meant to protect other people in case you are infected.
- Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds regularly.
- Continue to keep about 6 feet between yourself and others.
- Do NOT use a facemask meant for a health care worker.
- In addition, do NOT place cloth face coverings on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.
- Avoid using public transportation, ridesharing or taxis, if possible.
- Work from home when possible. Also consider using mail-order for medications and grocery delivery service if possible.
STAY CONNECTED VIRTUALLY
- Distancing doesn’t mean disconnecting. For many of us, COVID-19 has disrupted our routines, and it’s important to stay connected with family and friends during this challenging time. You can still:
- Connect with loved ones through video calls, phone calls, texts or social media.
- Unless you are showing signs of illness or have tested positive for COVID-19, go outside to exercise and walk pets while keeping at least 6 feet from others.
- If you are religious or spiritual, follow practices at home that provide you with comfort and emotional strength.
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